FIR in alleged KPSC scam: OMR answer sheet tampering, nepotism, question paper leak, corruption alleged
The Vidhana Soudha Police have registered an FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission’s recruitment process for 400 veterinary officers
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The Vidhana Soudha Police have registered an FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission’s recruitment process for 400 veterinary officers
Updated - July 26, 2026 08:16 pm IST - Bengaluru
A file photo of veterinary doctors near the Vidhana Soudha Police Station to lodge a complaint alleging corruption in the KPSC Veterinary Officer recruitment examination.
The Vidhana Soudha Police have registered an FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission’s (KPSC) recruitment process for 400 veterinary officers. The case was registered on July 24 for cheating under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023, based on a complaint lodged by Manjunatha, 30, a veterinary doctor.
The FIR names the now suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, other KPSC officials, and 29 candidates who made it to the list.
In his complaint, Dr. Manjunatha alleged large-scale irregularities in the recruitment process, including OMR answer sheet tampering, nepotism, question paper leakage, leakage of candidates’ confidential information, and the involvement of middlemen who allegedly promised jobs in exchange for money.
The complainant claimed that several candidates related to senior KPSC officials, including the suspended Chairman, secured top ranks despite allegedly having average academic records. It further alleged that intermediaries transported candidates to hotels or resorts outside the examination centres, where they were allegedly provided question papers with answers and coaching before being taken to the examination centres. The complainant requested a detailed investigation into the movement and phone records of the candidates concerned.
Dr. Manjunatha also alleged that some candidates deliberately left a majority of questions unanswered in their OMR sheets, raising suspicion that the sheets were later tampered with.
‘Money south to improve scores’
The complaint further alleged that intermediaries had access to confidential information of shortlisted candidates, including their personal details and OMR scores, and contacted them demanding ₹80 lakh in exchange for securing appointments. According to the complaint, candidates were allegedly asked to pay ₹40 lakh as an advance, with the balance to be paid after appointment.
The complainant stated that video and audio recordings relating to these alleged demands had been submitted as evidence. The complaint also referred to an earlier complaint submitted to the KPSC on May 29, 2026.
The complainant alleged that confidential candidate information could only have been accessed with the involvement of KPSC officials and sought a comprehensive investigation into the alleged role of senior officials, middlemen and selected candidates.
The FIR names over 29 selected candidates who, according to the complainant, require investigation in connection with the alleged recruitment irregularities. It also lists 24 unsuccessful candidates, including the complainant, as victims of the alleged malpractice.
Published - July 26, 2026 08:15 pm IST
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